Catalan lawmakers vote for independence from Spain

Barcelona Oct 27 (IANS) Lawmakers at the Catalan parliament on Friday voted in favour of unilaterally declaring independence from Spain.

The resolution was approved with 72 votes in favour 10 against and two blank Efe news agency reported. The Catalan regional versions of the main Spanish parties -- the ruling conservative Popular Party the Socialist Party (PSOE) and the centre-right Ciudadanos -- walked out and refused to take part in the vote which they considered unconstitutional. Lawmakers at the Catalan parliament previously approved starting the constitutional process to set the creation of a new state in motion with 71 votes in favour eight against and three abstentions. As the vote took place some 15 000 people gathered outside the regional parliament in Barcelona in favour of independence chanting "not a single step back" and "we are with you". At the same time the Spanish Senate was preparing a series of measures underpinning Article 155 of the constitution a constitutional mechanism that brings autonomous regions under the central government s direct rule and which was triggered in Catalonia following a bid for independence. The conservative government led by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy wants to remove Puigdemont and his cabinet from their posts limit the functions of the local parliament impose direct Madrid rule on some Catalan ministries and institutions as well as call fresh elections. --IANS ahm/bg